I have walked the same path of suffering (The Way of Sorrow) that Christ did in Israel, when He carried the Cross on His bloodied back. It was not a short path, it took a while to walk. The walls on each side of the path were filled with sharp glass and shards that would cut deep if anyone was to try to escape. I can’t imagine the pain our Lord felt. He was weak, He was a bloody mess. His back and body beaten and that was no small cross that He labored to carry.

We all have had a path of suffering. It may be short or it may be long. Each of us have suffered in some way. It could be the loss of a loved one, a devastating illness, abuse, financial devastation, divorce or any number of things. But remember the Via Delorosa, the path of suffering. Christ walked to His death so that we would be free from the sufferings in this life. He took our pain, “By His stripes we are healed.” (Is. 53:5) He is our peace and our comfort. We never walk those times of suffering alone.

Thank you Lord that you walked to the Cross and not away from it. Without Your willingness to die for us we would be doomed to hell. Thank you that You are always with us and share in our suffering. In Jesus Name, Amen.